Tag: Patrick Cote

Patrick Cote and Kyle Noke Set to Coach TUF: The Nations: Canada vs. Australia

The next international version of The Ultimate Fighter will happen later this year when The Nations: Team Canada vs. Team Australia goes down, and now the two coaches who will lead the squads have been named as well. The UFC announced via press release…

The next international version of The Ultimate Fighter will happen later this year when The Nations: Team Canada vs. Team Australia goes down, and now the two coaches who will lead the squads have been named as well.

The UFC announced via press release on Friday that former Ultimate Fighter competitors Patrick Cote (Team Canada) and Kyle Noke (Team Australia) will lead their respective team of welterweights in the competition that will begin in September.

Cote and Noke have both been very vocal in their efforts to land the coaching jobs for their countries, and now they will have a chance to lead a group of 170-pound hopefuls into battle for the chance to earn a contract with the UFC.

Cote told Bleacher Report back in April, right after signing a new four-fight deal with the UFC, that coaching on The Ultimate Fighter would be a great opportunity while also bringing his career full circle. 

Cote was a contestant on the show during the fourth season, where he earned his way back to the UFC as part of the “comeback” season.

“I have the experience as a contestant, and to be there as a coach and to represent my country, I think it would be nice for everybody there. I’m pretty well known in Quebec with the French television broadcasts I’ve been doing,” Cote said in the interview. “I would go there to help those guys. I would not go there for my personal exposure. I want to help and share what I know with those guys. I did my first fight like 10 years ago. So maybe I’m not the best in every aspect, but I’m good in all areas and I think I could help those guys learn.”

 

It didn’t take long for Noke to also chime in with his desire to coach on the show as well. Speaking with MMA‘s Great Debate Radio, Noke expressed his wish to land the coaching job opposite Cote before facing him in the Octagon when the show concluded.

 

Noke always seemed like a natural choice for the Australian team since he was one of the first high profile MMA competitors to come out of the country several years ago.

“It would mean a lot to me. I’d love to have the opportunity to coach the young Australians, and help them pursue their dreams and it would mean the world to me,” Noke stated. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I’d be happy.”

Now, Cote and Noke both get their wish granted and will face off as Ultimate Fighter coaches. The casting will begin in September with a group of welterweights being chosen for the show that will air on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada and FX in Australia. 

 

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist and all quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Patrick Cote and Hector Lombard Chosen as Coaches for ‘TUF: Canada vs. Australia’…Sort Of

When word first broke that the infamous rivalry between Canada and Australia (?) would take center stage during the next non-Brazilian international season of The Ultimate Fighter, we reacted as we typically do, by turning underwhelming news into a farce. For why would the UFC even bother attempting to promote a rivalry between countries where none such rivalry exists? Not only does it dramatically narrow down their choices for potential participants, but it similarly limits the promotion’s ability to shoehorn in a rivalry between coaches (as they are wont to do) who are both hailing from the countries/nations being represented and are still relevant in today’s MMA landscape.

Look, we get that the point of an international TUF is to, you know, pit foreign nations against one another. But when you start booking coaches from entirely different weight classes, coaches who might not even be able to fight one another at the season’s close, no less, doesn’t that kind of eliminate the point? In any case, that’s what we’ll be privy to during TUF: Canada vs. Australia, which will feature Patrick Cote and Hector Lombard as coaches…sort of (Via FiveOuncesofPain):

According to the MMA Sun, Patrick Cote and Hector Lombard have been targeted as head coaches. An official announcement is expected by week’s end. It also appears the UFC has Kyle Noke lined up just in case Lombard ultimately decides he cannot accept the role based on the expectation of moving down from 185 pounds to compete against Cote as a welterweight. 

When word first broke that the infamous rivalry between Canada and Australia (?) would take center stage during the next non-Brazilian international season of The Ultimate Fighter, we reacted as we typically do, by turning underwhelming news into a farce. For why would the UFC even bother attempting to promote a rivalry between countries where none such rivalry exists? Not only does it dramatically narrow down their choices for potential participants, but it similarly limits the promotion’s ability to shoehorn in a rivalry between coaches (as they are wont to do) who are both hailing from the countries/nations being represented and are still relevant in today’s MMA landscape.

Look, we get that the point of an international TUF is to, you know, pit foreign nations against one another. But when you start booking coaches from entirely different weight classes, coaches who might not even be able to fight one another at the season’s close, no less, doesn’t that kind of eliminate the point? In any case, that’s what we’ll be privy to during TUF: Canada vs. Australia, which will feature Patrick Cote and Hector Lombard as coaches…sort of (Via FiveOuncesofPain):

According to the MMA Sun, Patrick Cote and Hector Lombard have been targeted as head coaches. An official announcement is expected by week’s end. It also appears the UFC has Kyle Noke lined up just in case Lombard ultimately decides he cannot accept the role based on the expectation of moving down from 185 pounds to compete against Cote as a welterweight. 

Let’s hope that Lombard, who walks around at upwards of 200 pounds, can make weight when all is said and done. Otherwise, the UFC is essentially saying that, rather than have a lesser known welterweight who is coming off a win coach opposite of Cote, the best option is to have a more recognizable middleweight that has suffered 2 tepid losses in 3 UFC fights coach, then pray to God he can actually make weight come fight night.

You could, of course, make the argument that “TUF is about the talent, not the coaches, so who cares?” Thankfully, War Machine has already offered a rebuttal to that cockamamie theory on our behalf, so let’s just end this debate with those enlightened words. And honestly, who are we kidding? These two will be lucky to make it to day one of shooting with both their legs intact.

One thing’s for sure, Team Canada is going to be in for some *epic* house parties this season. We just hope they can keep pace with their mentor, or they are going to be in for some even rougher mornings.

–J. Jones

Kyle Noke Wants Ultimate Fighter Coaching Job and Then Fight Patrick Cote

Former The Ultimate Fighter competitor Kyle Noke is hoping that he can bring his UFC career full circle by putting his name in the hat to become a coach on the new international season of the reality show, which pits his native Australia against Canada…

Former The Ultimate Fighter competitor Kyle Noke is hoping that he can bring his UFC career full circle by putting his name in the hat to become a coach on the new international season of the reality show, which pits his native Australia against Canada.

Noke, who was one of the first fighters to come to prominence out of Australia, has been nursing a wrist injury after having surgery just weeks ago, but he’s already targeting his next mission in the UFC.

While he missed out on the first season of the international reality show while fellow countryman George Sotiropoulos took on Ross Pearson, Noke is ready for the challenge in the next version.

“That’s something that I definitely want to do, and I think me versus probably Patrick Cote would be the most logical choice for the coaching job,” Noke told MMA‘s Great Debate Radio recently.  “I’d love to fight him, I’d love to see it.  I know he’s been tweeting about it and would love the job also.  So we both want the job, let’s get in there and do it.

“He’s another big guy, he just came down a weight division.  I think that would be a great fight, and it would be a great show to have me versus him.”

Cote also told Bleacher Report recently, after inking a new multi-fight deal with the UFC, that a job coaching Team Canada on the The Ultimate Fighter would be a dream come true.  Just like Noke, Cote is a former contestant on the reality show and has plenty of real world UFC experience to pass on to the next crop of Octagon hopefuls.

For his part more than anything, Noke just wants to be a part of the show so he can continue to help drive the sport of MMA in his native country.  While he trains primarily in New Mexico now as part of Team Greg Jackson, Noke still travels home whenever he can to help fighters in Australia as well.

He believes being on the The Ultimate Fighter would be a great showcase to take the sport to the next level, and he wants to be a part of it.

“It would mean a lot to me.  I’d love to have the opportunity to coach the young Australians, and help them pursue their dreams and it would mean the world to me,” Noke stated.  “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I’d be happy.”

Noke thinks that Cote is the natural choice as an opponent and as a fellow coach on the reality show, but no matter who he’d be matched up with, he wants in as the head of Team Australia.

If it’s Cote or another Canadian, it really doesn’t matter much to Noke.  He just wants to be a part of this season and represent Australia like he’s been doing since day one when he first stepped on the mats.

“I think it would be the best option for both of us.  Either way I don’t care who it is,” Noke stated.   “I want the job and I’m prepared to fight anyone for it.  For me, Patrick would probably be the best opposing coach.”

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and all quotes were obtained first hand unless otherwise noted.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Kyle Noke Wants Ultimate Fighter Coaching Job and Then Fight Patrick Cote

Former The Ultimate Fighter competitor Kyle Noke is hoping that he can bring his UFC career full circle by putting his name in the hat to become a coach on the new international season of the reality show, which pits his native Australia against Canada…

Former The Ultimate Fighter competitor Kyle Noke is hoping that he can bring his UFC career full circle by putting his name in the hat to become a coach on the new international season of the reality show, which pits his native Australia against Canada.

Noke, who was one of the first fighters to come to prominence out of Australia, has been nursing a wrist injury after having surgery just weeks ago, but he’s already targeting his next mission in the UFC.

While he missed out on the first season of the international reality show while fellow countryman George Sotiropoulos took on Ross Pearson, Noke is ready for the challenge in the next version.

“That’s something that I definitely want to do, and I think me versus probably Patrick Cote would be the most logical choice for the coaching job,” Noke told MMA’s Great Debate Radio recently.  “I’d love to fight him, I’d love to see it.  I know he’s been tweeting about it and would love the job also.  So we both want the job, let’s get in there and do it.

“He’s another big guy, he just came down a weight division.  I think that would be a great fight, and it would be a great show to have me versus him.”

Cote also told Bleacher Report recently, after inking a new multi-fight deal with the UFC, that a job coaching Team Canada on the The Ultimate Fighter would be a dream come true.  Just like Noke, Cote is a former contestant on the reality show and has plenty of real world UFC experience to pass on to the next crop of Octagon hopefuls.

For his part more than anything, Noke just wants to be a part of the show so he can continue to help drive the sport of MMA in his native country.  While he trains primarily in New Mexico now as part of Team Greg Jackson, Noke still travels home whenever he can to help fighters in Australia as well.

He believes being on the The Ultimate Fighter would be a great showcase to take the sport to the next level, and he wants to be a part of it.

“It would mean a lot to me.  I’d love to have the opportunity to coach the young Australians, and help them pursue their dreams and it would mean the world to me,” Noke stated.  “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I’d be happy.”

Noke thinks that Cote is the natural choice as an opponent and as a fellow coach on the reality show, but no matter who he’d be matched up with, he wants in as the head of Team Australia.

If it’s Cote or another Canadian, it really doesn’t matter much to Noke.  He just wants to be a part of this season and represent Australia like he’s been doing since day one when he first stepped on the mats.

“I think it would be the best option for both of us.  Either way I don’t care who it is,” Noke stated.   “I want the job and I’m prepared to fight anyone for it.  For me, Patrick would probably be the best opposing coach.”

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and all quotes were obtained first hand unless otherwise noted.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Patrick Cote Inks New UFC Deal; Hopes to Land Coaching Job on New TUF

Patrick Cote has found new life at welterweight, and the UFC likes what they’ve seen so far. They liked it so much that they’ve inked Cote to a new four-fight deal following his last victory over Bobby Voelker, which served as his debut at 170 pounds. …

Patrick Cote has found new life at welterweight, and the UFC likes what they’ve seen so far.

They liked it so much that they’ve inked Cote to a new four-fight deal following his last victory over Bobby Voelker, which served as his debut at 170 pounds.

Cote’s manager Joe Cavallaro confirmed the news to Bleacher Report on Tuesday.

Following a long career at middleweight, Cote dropped down to welterweight for his last fight at UFC 158 and came away with a unanimous decision win. Now with his new multi-fight deal in place, Cote is looking forward to his next trip to the Octagon, although he’d like a bit of a detour along the way.

The UFC is currently in the process of putting together its next international version of the Ultimate Fighter, with the new season expected to pit Team Canada against Team Australia.

While no offers have been made or even discussed at this point, Cote would love to throw his name in the ring as a viable option to coach Team Canada on the newest installment of the long running reality show.

“I’m ready for that. I really hope they are thinking of me,” Cote told Bleacher Report on Tuesday.  “I have no idea what they are thinking about.  I just signed a four-fight deal with the UFC.  We’ve talked about my next fight, but nothing is signed, nothing has been decided.  They just announced the TUF Canada vs. Australia and everybody has gone crazy on Twitter trying to help me become the coach of Team Canada.  I appreciate the support from everybody, maybe it’s going to help.”

Cote was actually a participant during the fourth season of the show titled Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback.  The season focused on fighters who had previously competed in the Octagon and were looking to earn a second shot in the promotion.

Cote made it to the finals before losing to eventual house champion Travis Lutter.

Beyond his own experience on the show, Cote has been competing in the UFC since 2004 when he took on former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz on short notice at UFC 50.

If given the chance to coach on the show, Cote would accept the job without hesitation, and then focus on bringing up the next crop of fighters looking to follow in his footsteps.

“If they ask me to do it for sure, I’ll say yes.  It would be a big honor for me,” Cote said.  “I have the experience as a contestant, and to be there as a coach and to represent my country, I think it would be nice for everybody there.  I’m pretty well known in Quebec with the French television broadcasts I’ve been doing.

“I would go there to help those guys. I would not go there for my personal exposure.  I want to help and share what I know with those guys.  I did my first fight like 10 years ago.  So maybe I’m not the best in every aspect, but I’m good in all areas and I think I could help those guys learn.”

The UFC has yet to officially comment on the new season of the reality show, but details will likely be forthcoming in the next few weeks.  Either way, whether a job as coach awaits him or not, Cote is now secure with his new contract as he awaits word on his next fight inside the Octagon.

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and all quotes were obtained first hand unless otherwise noted.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 158: What’s Next for Patrick Cote?

Patrick Cote’s decision win over promotional newcomer Bobby Voelker marked a successful transition to the welterweight division, though not an uncontroversial one.Cote, a former middleweight competitor, was given the nod by all three ringside judges, b…

Patrick Cote’s decision win over promotional newcomer Bobby Voelker marked a successful transition to the welterweight division, though not an uncontroversial one.

Cote, a former middleweight competitor, was given the nod by all three ringside judges, but many fans felt differently. The phrases “hometown discount” and “home-field advantage” were tossed around after the result, though that’s hardly uncommon anytime a fighter wins a close one in his native land.

Regardless, the result is in the book and the book says Cote won in his welterweight debut at 170. The question is, where does he go from here?

There are several viable options for Cote at 170. There are both handfuls of opponents that would direct him toward a title shot and handfuls that would be less meaningful but would still be sure to excite. Some options straddle the line, representing steppingstones as well as stylistically intriguing foes. 

For now, style may trump importance in Cote’s imminent future, given his friendship with current champion Georges St-Pierre and that his win at UFC 158 was hardly enough to fast-track him to a contender bout.

With an iron jaw and powerful hands, Cote embodies an interesting opponent for any fellow slugger out there. One that comes to mind is Robbie Lawler.

Lawler would kick-start a title run for Cote but wouldn’t put him all that close. He is a former middleweight himself and is coming off of a big win over Josh Koscheck, but he’s just 3-4 over his past seven fights. He is also a banger, one that would mesh nicely with Cote to produce a slugfest.

Lawler‘s attributes make him a reasonable selection for Cote’s next opponent, though some may argue his win over Koscheck ranks him too high for Cote at this point. If the UFC shares that opinion, then Siyar Bahadurzada would work for Cote just as well.

Whoever the UFC decides on, expect Cote’s next opponent to be a striking-oriented fighter. The promotion’s choice will reflect precisely where it believes Cote fits into his new weight class and how optimistic it is about his potential to make a serious run at the division’s crown.

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